Recipe: Apricot Jelly with Peach Chunks

Recipe: Apricot Jelly with Peach Chunks

Apricot jelly with peach chunks is a luscious and fruity treat that perfectly combines the tangy-sweet flavor of apricots with the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches. The soft, smooth jelly sets the stage for the natural sweetness of peaches to shine through, creating a harmonious balance that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re spreading it on a warm piece of toast in the morning, dolloping it on top of a dessert, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, this jelly will undoubtedly become one of your favorites.

Making your own jelly might seem like a daunting task, but with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a homemade preserve that’s both delicious and impressive. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step by step to prepare apricot jelly with fresh peach chunks, which is both a treat for the taste buds and a beautiful addition to your kitchen pantry.

Let’s begin!

Ingredients

For the Apricot Jelly:

• 4 cups fresh apricot puree (from about 8-10 ripe apricots)
• 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and chopped into small chunks)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon pectin (optional, depending on the desired texture)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to prevent foaming)

Optional:

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract (for added flavor depth)

Equipment:

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer (if needed to remove skins or seeds)
• Sterilized jars for storing the jelly
• Candy thermometer (optional, to check for setting temperature)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

1. Peel and Prepare the Apricots
   Start by washing the apricots thoroughly. Cut them in half, remove the pit, and cut the flesh into small chunks. Once all the apricots are prepped, place them in a blender or food processor and puree the fruit until smooth. You should have about 4 cups of apricot puree.

2. Prepare the Peaches
   Peel, pit, and chop the peaches into small pieces. You want the chunks to be small enough to integrate well into the jelly but large enough to maintain their texture once the jelly sets.

3. Optional - Strain the Apricots
   If you prefer a smoother jelly without the skins, you can strain the apricot puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any bits of skin. This step is optional, as some people enjoy the added texture that the skins provide.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit

1. Combine the Fruit in a Saucepan
   In a large saucepan, combine the apricot puree and chopped peaches. Add the lemon juice and sugar, stirring to combine. The sugar will help release the fruit’s natural juices and aid in the gelling process.

2. Bring to a Boil
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.

3. Add Butter and Optional Flavorings
   To prevent foaming and to smooth out the texture, add the tablespoon of unsalted butter to the mixture. If you prefer a deeper flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract at this point. Both will enhance the fruitiness and complexity of the jelly.

Step 3: Check for Setting Point

1. Test the Consistency
   To check if your jelly is ready to set, you can perform a simple test. Place a spoonful of the hot jelly mixture on a cold plate and let it cool for a few minutes. Run your finger through the jelly—if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready to be removed from the heat. Alternatively, use a candy thermometer to check that the mixture has reached 220°F (104°C), which is the ideal temperature for jelly to set.

2. Add Pectin (Optional)
   If you’re using pectin to help the jelly set more firmly, add it now according to the package instructions. Stir well to ensure the pectin is fully dissolved.

Step 4: Jar the Jelly

1. Prepare the Jars
   While the jelly is simmering, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or placing them in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the jars are free of bacteria and helps preserve the jelly for longer shelf life.

2. Fill the Jars
   Once the jelly reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and carefully ladle the hot jelly into the sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow for expansion.

3. Seal and Process the Jars
   Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw the rings on tightly. To ensure a vacuum seal, process the jars in a hot water bath for about 10-15 minutes. This step is optional but recommended for long-term storage.

4. Cool and Store
   Let the jars cool completely at room temperature before storing them. Once cooled, you can store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. After opening, refrigerate the jelly and consume it within 3-4 weeks.

Tips and Variations

1. Adjust the Sweetness
   The sweetness of the jelly can be adjusted based on the ripeness of the fruit and your personal preference. If your peaches or apricots are particularly sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar.

2. Experiment with Other Fruits
   While apricot and peach make a perfect combination, you can experiment with other fruits like cherries, raspberries, or plums to create different flavor profiles. Just ensure the fruit is ripe and sweet for the best results.

3. Use a Strainer for a Smoother Texture
   If you prefer a smoother jelly without any fruit chunks, you can strain the peach pieces out before filling the jars. This will leave you with a clear, glossy jelly that’s perfect for spreading.

Health Benefits

1. Apricots
   Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health. They are also a good source of fiber, which promotes digestion and heart health.

2. Peaches
   Peaches are low in calories and high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps support your immune system and skin health. They also contain potassium, which is beneficial for heart health.

3. Lemon
   Lemons are packed with vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, boosting immunity, and promoting healthy skin.

Conclusion

Apricot jelly with peach chunks is a deliciously sweet and fruity preserve that captures the essence of summer in every jar. The combination of apricots and peaches creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the added lemon juice brightens the overall taste. Whether enjoyed on toast, as a topping for desserts, or simply by the spoonful, this jelly is sure to be a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and savor the fruity goodness of homemade apricot and peach jelly in every bite!